As we reach the end of a busy and rewarding Semester One, I’d like to take a moment to celebrate the incredible growth, effort, and achievements of our Year 5 students. It has been a term packed with learning, creativity, and memorable experiences that have enriched both our classroom and school community.

One of our major highlights this term was performing our NAIDOC Day dance, where students proudly showcased their learning and connection to culture through movement and storytelling. Their respect and enthusiasm were truly commendable. We were fortunate to continue our sporting journey with AFL Cape York, developing both skills and teamwork. A special congratulations to Taye, who represented our school in the Crusader’s Cup in Cairns and the Sunshine Coast—an outstanding achievement!

Our classroom was also visited by two inspirational Australian Olympians, Taylor McKeown and Lara Davenport, who shared powerful messages about perseverance, resilience, and the pursuit of goals. The students were inspired by their journeys and had excellent questions to ask. As part of our outreach and community connection, Year 5 visited the Star of the Sea Aged Care Facility, sharing stories and moments with the residents, displaying kindness, respect, and empathy throughout. We also congratulate Oliver, who proudly represented our school in the Readers Cup in Cairns. His love of reading and commitment to learning truly shone through.

In HASS and Culture, students brought history to life by building Thursday Island and its surrounding islands in Minecraft, where they engaged in trade simulations to understand what life was like prior to colonisation. It was a fantastic blend of digital creativity and historical thinking. In Maths, we focused on data display and interpretation, learning to read graphs, analyse results, and present findings accurately. The students enjoyed collecting real data and using it in meaningful ways.

Congratulations to all of Year 5 on a fantastic Semester One. Your hard work, curiosity, and positive attitude have made this a truly successful term.

Wishing all families a safe and restful break.